Dads Dote on Daughters at Chick-fil-A Date Night

It was a prelude to Valentine's Day at metro-Atlanta Chick-fil-A eateries over the weekend, as dads escorted their daughters to a special date night hosted by the restaurant.

The daddy-daughter date night is part of Chick-fil-A's company-wide effort to encourage family ties and positive experiences within its establishments. Metro Atlanta, including Snellville locations, held its special event this past Saturday.

More than 160 guests registered for the event at During the first hour, the restaurant served more than 70 of the special-event diners, many dressed for a night out on the town. At the restaurant, the father and daughters -- from toddlers to teenagers -- were treated to a red carpet arrival, table service and complimentary dessert.

“I thought this would be fun for us to do, because the most we ever really do is shop together,” said Leon Bishop, who brought his 3-year-old daughter Madeline as his date.  “It’s a chance for us to really sit and have dinner together.”

To help spiff up the night, staff also created a dating ambience, including balloons, dimmed lighting, black tablecloths, and rose and candle centerpieces. There was a photo booth for capturing the experience.

“I wondered how Chick-fil-A was going to pull this off, but they did a great job,” said Michael Mewborn, who brought his 8-year-old daughter Nya. "It’s a good relationship builder and an opportunity to spend some one-on-one time together.”

The dining area was abuzz with energy and laughter, with young girls and their fathers engaged in steady conversation throughout the restaurant. Chick-fil-A helped encouraged open communication by creating place mats with questions and talking points about favorites, memories, and hopes for the future.

“We just like to promote families and spending time together, and this is a really special way to do that,” said Ashley Cameron, marketing director for the Snellville Chick-Fil-A on Main Street. “And, what better date to go on than one with your Dad?”

As guests left for the night, daughters received an “Eat Mor Chikin” cow toy to commemorate the night, while fathers received note cards thanking them for taking time out for their daughters and directing them to a special website were photos could be found. Families also received a pamphlet to help continue conversations at home.

“This was  a great chance for us to have some alone time away from her brother,” said Dan Owens, who brought his daughter Emilie, 8.  “We talked, used the questionnaire, and it was very nice."

When asked what her favorite part of the night out with her Dad was, Emilie simply replied, “I liked all of it.”